Real-time retractable training wheels system and method

ABSTRACT

A training wheel apparatus for learning to ride a bicycle includes a lift activation assembly, wherein the lift activation assembly includes a grip. The training wheel apparatus further includes a wheel mount assembly configured to operatively connect to a wheel. The training wheel apparatus further includes a cable configured to operatively connect to the lift activation assembly and the wheel mount assembly via the grip. When activated by rotation of the grip in a first direction, the lift activation assembly is configured to use the cable to change an elevation of the wheel between a first position and a second position while the wheel is in motion.

RELATED CASES

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/754,981, filed on Jun. 30, 2015, entitled “Real-Time RetractableTraining Wheels System and Method”, which is a Continuation-In-Part ofU.S. application Ser. No. 14/580,538, filed on Dec. 23, 2014, entitled“Real-Time Retractable Training Wheels System and Method”, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/315,623, filed on Jun. 26,2014, entitled “Real-Time Retractable Training Wheels System andMethod”, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,944,453, which claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/894,596, filed on 23 Oct. 2013,by Peyton Webb Robertson, entitled “Real-Time Retractable TrainingWheels System and Method”, the contents of which are all incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

When a child (or adult) learns to ride a bicycle, training wheels maysometimes be used. Training wheels typically attach to both sides of thebicycle, thus providing greater stability than if the training wheelswere not attached. While the training wheels are attached, the rider maynot necessarily be provided with the desired feel of balancing their ownbody weight on two wheels. Thus, over time, the goal is to remove thetraining wheels so that the rider may balance the bicycle on its own twowheels. Parents may sometimes remove the training wheels, but providethe additional stability by holding onto the bicycle while the riderlearns to balance their body weight on two wheels. However, eventuallythe parent must let go of the bicycle to allow the rider to truly learnto balance their body weight on two wheels. Sometimes, the rider is notyet ready for this stage, and risks falling and injury.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

In one implementation, a training wheel apparatus may include but is notlimited to a lift activation assembly, wherein the lift activationassembly may include a grip. The training wheel apparatus may furtherinclude a wheel mount assembly that may be configured to operativelyconnect to a wheel. The training wheel apparatus may further include acable that may be configured to operatively connect to the liftactivation assembly and the wheel mount assembly via the grip. Whenactivated by rotation of the grip in a first direction, the liftactivation assembly may be configured to use the cable to change anelevation of the wheel between a first position and a second positionwhile the wheel is in motion.

One or more of the following features may be included. A release switchmay be included that, when activated, may change the elevation of thewheel to the first position. The grip, when rotated in a seconddirection, may change the elevation of the wheel to the first position.The lift activation assembly may further include a drive gear, a clutchgear, and a drive latch, wherein the drive latch, when the grip isrotated in the first position, may pivot in a mount on the clutch gearand engages teeth on the drive gear. A switch may be included, whereinthe switch, when toggled, may activate the lift activation assembly. Acable gear may be included, wherein the cable, when the grip is rotatedin the first position, winds around a recessed area on the cable gear.The lift activation assembly may further include a base latchoperatively connected to the clutch gear, that when engaged with a notchon a base plate, may prevent the grip from rotation in the seconddirection. The drive latch, when a release switch is activated, maydisengage the clutch gear from the drive gear by rotating out of itsengagement with one or more teeth of the drive gear. The change inelevation of the wheel between the first position and the secondposition may include a plurality of predetermined set elevations,wherein each elevation of the plurality of predetermined set elevationsmay be based upon, at least in part, a degree of activation of the liftactivation assembly. The wheel mount assembly may be further configuredto operatively connect to a bicycle frame. The wheel may include atraining wheel.

In another implementation, a training wheel apparatus may include but isnot limited to a lift activation assembly that may be configured tooperatively connect to a handlebar of a bicycle frame, wherein the liftactivation assembly may include a grip. The training wheel apparatus mayfurther include a wheel mount assembly that may be configured tooperatively connect to a wheel and may be further configured tooperatively connect to the bicycle frame. The training wheel apparatusmay further include a cable that may be configured to operativelyconnect to the lift activation assembly and the wheel mount assembly viathe grip. When activated by rotation of the grip in a first direction,the lift activation assembly may be configured to use the cable tochange an elevation of the wheel between a first position and a secondposition while the wheel is in motion.

One or more of the following features may be included. A release switchmay be included that, when activated, may change the elevation of thewheel to the first position. The grip, when rotated in a seconddirection, may change the elevation of the wheel to the first position.The lift activation assembly may further include a drive gear, a clutchgear, and a drive latch, wherein the drive latch, when the grip isrotated in the first position, may pivot in a mount on the clutch gearand engages teeth on the drive gear. A switch may be included, whereinthe switch, when toggled, may activate the lift activation assembly. Acable gear may be included, wherein the cable, when the grip is rotatedin the first position, winds around a recessed area on the cable gear.The lift activation assembly may further include a base latchoperatively connected to the clutch gear, that when engaged with a notchon a base plate, may prevent the grip from rotation in the seconddirection. The drive latch, when a release switch is activated, maydisengage the clutch gear from the drive gear by rotating out of itsengagement with one or more teeth of the drive gear. The change inelevation of the wheel between the first position and the secondposition may include a plurality of predetermined set elevations,wherein each elevation of the plurality of predetermined set elevationsmay be based upon, at least in part, a degree of activation of the liftactivation assembly. The change of the elevation of the wheel may beconfigured to occur while the wheel is in motion. The wheel may includea training wheel.

In another implementation, a training wheel apparatus may include but isnot limited to a lift activation assembly that may be configured tooperatively connect to a handlebar of a bicycle frame, wherein the liftactivation assembly may include a switch, wherein the lift activationassembly may further include a cable gear. The training wheel apparatusmay further include a wheel mount assembly that may be configured tooperatively connect to a wheel and may be further configured tooperatively connect to the bicycle frame. The training wheel apparatusmay further include a cable that may be configured to operativelyconnect to the lift activation assembly and the wheel mount assembly.When activated by the switch, the lift activation assembly may beconfigured to use the cable to change an elevation of the wheel betweena first position and a second position, by winding around a recessedarea on the cable gear.

One or more of the following features may be included. A release switchmay be included that, when activated, may change the elevation of thewheel to the first position. The grip, when rotated in a seconddirection, may change the elevation of the wheel to the first position.The lift activation assembly may further include a drive gear, a clutchgear, and a drive latch, wherein the drive latch, when the grip isrotated in the first position, may pivot in a mount on the clutch gearand engages teeth on the drive gear. The lift activation assembly mayfurther include a base latch operatively connected to the clutch gear,that when engaged with a notch on a base plate, may prevent the gripfrom rotation in the second direction. The drive latch, when a releaseswitch is activated, may disengage the clutch gear from the drive gearby rotating out of its engagement with one or more teeth of the drivegear. The change in elevation of the wheel between the first positionand the second position may include a plurality of predetermined setelevations, wherein each elevation of the plurality of predetermined setelevations may be based upon, at least in part, a degree of activationof the lift activation assembly. The change of the elevation of thewheel may be configured to occur while the wheel is in motion. The wheelmay include a training wheel.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features andadvantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, andthe claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustrative perspective view of a bicycle with a trainingwheel assembly according to one or more implementations of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is an illustrative perspective view of a wheel mount assembly ofthe training wheel assembly according to one or more implementations ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an illustrative perspective view of a wheel mount assembly ofthe training wheel assembly according to one or more implementations ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an illustrative rear perspective view of a wheel mountassembly of the training wheel assembly according to one or moreimplementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an illustrative rear perspective view of the wheel mountassembly of the training wheel assembly of FIG. 4 according to one ormore implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an illustrative side perspective view of the wheel mountassembly of the training wheel assembly of FIG. 4 according to one ormore implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an illustrative side perspective view of the wheel mountassembly of the training wheel assembly of FIG. 4 according to one ormore implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is an illustrative perspective view of the wheel mount assemblyof the training wheel assembly of FIG. 4 according to one or moreimplementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of the training wheel assembly accordingto one or more implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of the lift activation assembly accordingto one or more implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is an alternative diagrammatic view of the lift activationassembly according to one or more implementations of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view of the training wheel assembly accordingto one or more implementations of the present disclosure.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

When a child (or adult) learns to ride a bicycle, training wheels maysometimes be used. Training wheels typically attach to both sides of thebicycle, thus providing greater stability than if the training wheelswere not attached. While the training wheels are attached, the rider maynot necessarily be provided with the desired feel of balancing their ownbody weight on two wheels. Thus, over time, the goal is to remove thetraining wheels so that the rider may balance the bicycle on its own twowheels. Parents may sometimes remove the training wheels, but providethe additional stability by holding onto the bicycle while the riderlearns to balance their body weight on two wheels. However, eventuallythe parent must let go of the bicycle to allow the rider to truly learnto balance their body weight on two wheels. Sometimes, the rider is notyet ready for this stage, and risks falling and injury.

Beginner riders may want to enjoy the thrill of trying to balance theirown body weight while riding, but simultaneously avoid injuries that mayoccur when they lose their balance and fall. Additionally, the rider maywant to practice their riding skills without the training wheels, evenwhen the parent is not available to provide the added stability.

In general, consistent with the present disclosure, a real-timeretractable training wheel assembly may allow novice cyclists toexperience the real feel of balancing on two wheels of a bicycle withouttraining wheels, while at the same time giving them a back-up plan ifthey begin to fall. Generally, when the rider activates the liftactivation assembly, the training wheels attached to a wheel mountassembly may lift off the ground, transforming a bicycle with engagedtraining wheels into a bicycle without engaged training wheels inreal-time (e.g., while the bicycle is in motion). When the rider maydeactivate the lift activation assembly, the training wheels attached tothe wheel mount assembly may return to the ground, transforming abicycle without engaged training wheels into a bicycle with engagedtraining wheels in real-time (e.g., while the bicycle is in motion).

As will be discussed below in greater detail, a training wheel apparatusmay include but is not limited to a lift activation assembly. Thetraining wheel apparatus may further include a wheel mount assembly thatmay be configured to operatively connect to a wheel. The training wheelapparatus may further include a cable that may be configured tooperatively connect to the lift activation assembly and the wheel mountassembly. When activated, the lift activation assembly may be configuredto use the cable to change an elevation of the wheel between a firstposition and a second position while the wheel is in motion. The liftactivation assembly may include an actuator that may be configured tooperatively connect to the cable. The actuator may include a handlebargrip, wherein the handlebar grip, when rotated, may activate the liftactivation assembly. The actuator may include a lever, wherein thelever, when receiving pressure, may activate the lift activationassembly. The actuator may include a switch, wherein the switch, whentoggled, may activate the lift activation assembly. The wheel mountassembly may include at least one ratchet bar that may be configured tooperatively connect to the lift activation assembly via the cable,wherein the at least one ratchet bar may include at least one tooth. Thewheel mount assembly may include at least one lock that may beconfigured to engage the at least one tooth of the at least one ratchetbar when the lift activation assembly is activated, wherein the at leastone lock, when engaged, may be further configured to maintain theelevation of the wheel. The change in elevation of the wheel between thefirst position and the second position may include a plurality ofpredetermined set elevations, wherein each elevation of the plurality ofpredetermined set elevations may be based upon, at least in part, adegree of activation of the lift activation assembly. The wheel mountassembly may be further configured to operatively connect to a bicycleframe. The wheel may include a training wheel. The change of theelevation of the wheel may be configured to occur while the wheel is inmotion.

As will also be discussed in greater detail, a training wheel apparatusmay include but is not limited to a lift activation assembly, whereinthe lift activation assembly may include a grip. The training wheelapparatus may further include a wheel mount assembly that may beconfigured to operatively connect to a wheel. The training wheelapparatus may further include a cable that may be configured tooperatively connect to the lift activation assembly and the wheel mountassembly via the grip. When activated by rotation of the grip in a firstdirection, the lift activation assembly may be configured to use thecable to change an elevation of the wheel between a first position and asecond position while the wheel is in motion. A release switch may beincluded that, when activated, may change the elevation of the wheel tothe first position. The grip, when rotated in a second direction, maychange the elevation of the wheel to the first position. The liftactivation assembly may further include a drive gear, a clutch gear, anda drive latch, wherein the drive latch, when the grip is rotated in thefirst position, may pivot in a mount on the clutch gear and engagesteeth on the drive gear. A switch may be included, wherein the switch,when toggled, may activate the lift activation assembly. A cable gearmay be included, wherein the cable, when the grip is rotated in thefirst position, winds around a recessed area on the cable gear. The liftactivation assembly may further include a base latch operativelyconnected to the clutch gear, that when engaged with a notch on a baseplate, may prevent the grip from rotation in the second direction. Thedrive latch, when a release switch is activated, may disengage theclutch gear from the drive gear by rotating out of its engagement withone or more teeth of the drive gear. The change in elevation of thewheel between the first position and the second position may include aplurality of predetermined set elevations, wherein each elevation of theplurality of predetermined set elevations may be based upon, at least inpart, a degree of activation of the lift activation assembly. The wheelmount assembly may be further configured to operatively connect to abicycle frame. The wheel may include a training wheel.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the present disclosuremay be embodied as a method or apparatus. Accordingly, the presentdisclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware/mechanicalimplementation or an implementation combining software and/or electricalhardware/mechanical aspects that may all generally be referred to hereinas a “circuit,” “module” or “assembly.” Furthermore, the presentdisclosure may take the form of a computer program product on acomputer-usable storage medium having computer-usable program codeembodied in the medium.

Any suitable computer usable or computer readable medium (or media) maybe utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readablesignal medium or a computer readable storage medium. Thecomputer-usable, or computer-readable, storage medium (including astorage device associated with a computing device) may be, for example,but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical,electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device,or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (anon-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium may include thefollowing: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-onlymemory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a digital versatile disk(DVD), a static random access memory (SRAM), a memory stick, a floppydisk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raisedstructures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, a mediasuch as those supporting the internet or an intranet, or a magneticstorage device. Note that the computer-usable or computer-readablemedium could even be a suitable medium upon which the program is stored,scanned, compiled, interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitablemanner, if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory. In thecontext of the present disclosure, a computer-usable orcomputer-readable, storage medium may be any tangible medium that cancontain or store a program for use by or in connection with theinstruction execution apparatus or individual assemblies.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signalwith computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, inbaseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may takeany of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to,electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. Thecomputer readable program code may be transmitted using any appropriatemedium, including but not limited to the internet, wireline, opticalfiber cable, RF, etc. A computer readable signal medium may be anycomputer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage mediumand that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use byor in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, ordevice.

Computer program code for carrying out operations of the presentdisclosure may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture(ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependentinstructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, oreither source code or object code written in any combination of one ormore programming languages. In some implementations, electroniccircuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry,field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays(PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions/code byutilizing state information of the computer readable programinstructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order toperform aspects of the present disclosure.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof apparatus and methods according to various implementations of thepresent disclosure. It will be understood that each block in theflowchart and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart and/or block diagrams, may represent a module, segment, orportion of code, which comprises one or more executable computer programinstructions for implementing the specified logical function(s)/act(s).These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of ageneral purpose computer, special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe computer program instructions, which may execute via the processorof the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, createthe ability to implement one or more of the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks or combinationsthereof. It should be noted that, in some alternative implementations,the functions noted in the block(s) may occur out of the order noted inthe figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact,be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes beexecuted in the reverse order, depending upon the functionalityinvolved.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including instruction meanswhich implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks or combinations thereof.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed (not necessarily in a particularorder) on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce acomputer implemented process such that the instructions which execute onthe computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps forimplementing the functions/acts (not necessarily in a particular order)specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks orcombinations thereof.

The Real-Time Training Wheel Apparatus:

As discussed above and referring also at least to FIGS. 1-12, trainingwheel apparatus 10 may include but is not limited to a lift activationassembly (e.g., lift activation assembly 12). For instance, as will bediscussed in greater detail below, lift activation assembly 12 may be atleast a portion of training wheel apparatus 10 that is used by the riderto initiate and control the real-time retraction of a bicycle's trainingwheels (e.g., while the bicycle is in motion). In some implementations,and referring at least to FIG. 1, lift activation assembly 12 may beconfigured to operatively connect to a handlebar of a bicycle frame(e.g., handlebar 18). This may be accomplished using any known couplingtechniques suitable for the present disclosure, such as nuts, bolts orother fasteners, welding, etc. Due to such things as, e.g., ease ofaccess by the rider, handlebar 18 may be the optimal placement for liftactivation assembly 12. However, it will be appreciated that liftactivation assembly 12 may be configured to operatively connect to anyportion of the bicycle without departing from the scope of thedisclosure. As such, any description of lift activation assembly 12being operatively connected to any particular portion of the bicycleshould be taken as an example only and not to limit the scope of thedisclosure.

In some implementations, training wheel apparatus 10 may further includea wheel mount assembly (e.g., wheel mount assembly 14) that may beconfigured to operatively connect to a wheel. In some implementations,the wheel may include a training wheel (e.g., training wheel 16).Training wheel 16 may be operatively connected to wheel mount assembly14 using any known techniques suitable for the present disclosure, suchas those currently used to couple training wheels to a mount assembly(e.g., nuts, bolts or other fasteners, etc.).

In some implementations, and still referring at least to FIG. 1, wheelmount assembly 14 may be further configured to operatively connect to abicycle frame (e.g., bicycle frame 20). This may be accomplished usingany known coupling techniques suitable for the present disclosure, suchas fasteners, welding, or those typically used to mount training wheelsto bicycle frames. Due to such things as, e.g., balance and the abilityto pedal, the portion of bicycle frame 20 that is parallel to the axleof the back tire may be the optimal placement for wheel mount assembly14. However, it will be appreciated that wheel mount assembly 14 may beconfigured to operatively connect to any portion of bicycle frame 20without departing from the scope of the disclosure. As such, anydescription of wheel mount assembly 14 being operatively connected toany particular portion of bicycle frame 20 or otherwise should be takenas an example only and not to limit the scope of the disclosure.

In some implementations, training wheel apparatus 10 may further includea cable (e.g., cable 22) that may be configured to operatively connectto lift activation assembly 12 and wheel mount assembly 14. Forinstance, in some implementations, cable 22 may operate and/or beconnected to lift activation assembly 12 and/or wheel mount assembly 14in a similar manner as cable bicycle brakes are operatively connected tobrake levers and wheels respectively; however, other techniques may alsobe used without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In some implementations, when activated, lift activation assembly 12 maybe configured to use cable 22 to change an elevation of training wheel16 between a first position and a second position while training wheel16 is in motion. For example, as noted above and as will be discussed ingreater detail below, with training wheels 16 on the ground (e.g., thefirst position), when the rider activates lift activation assembly 12,force may be placed on cable 22, whereby that force may result inlifting training wheel 16 off the ground (e.g., the second position) viawheel mount assembly 14, transforming in real-time (e.g., while thebicycle is in motion) the bicycle with engaged training wheels (e.g.,grounded training wheels used to balance the rider) into a bicyclewithout engaged training wheels (e.g., elevated training wheels not usedto balance the rider). It will be appreciated that the first and secondpositions may be reversed without departing from the scope of thedisclosure. It will also be appreciated that the bicycle need not bemoving for the present disclosure to function properly.

In some implementations, and continuing with the above example, liftactivation assembly 12 may include an actuator that may be configured tooperatively connect to cable 22. For example, in some implementations,the actuator may include a lever (e.g., lever 24), wherein lever 24,when receiving pressure, may activate lift activation assembly 12. Forinstance, the rider may apply pressure (e.g., force) to lever 24 by,e.g., squeezing lever 24 similarly to a bicycle brake lever. Once therider applies enough force to lever 24, the force may be transferred tothe attached cable 22, which may then be transferred to wheel mountassembly 14 to elevate training wheel 16 off the ground.

In some implementations, and referring at least to FIG. 2, an examplewheel mount assembly 14 is shown. The example wheel mount assembly 14 ofFIG. 2 may include but is not limited to a lifting mechanism 200, cablesystem 202, cable 22, and spring 204. In the example, the rider mayapply pressure (e.g., force) to lever 24 by, e.g., squeezing lever 24similarly to a bicycle brake lever. Once the rider applies enough forceto lever 24, the force may be transferred to the attached cable 22,which may then be transferred to wheel mount assembly 14 (e.g., vialifting mechanism 200) to elevate training wheel 16 off the ground(e.g., in a counter clockwise movement). In some implementations, wheelmount assembly 14 of FIG. 2 may include spring 204, such that theopposing tension of spring 204 caused by the movement of training wheel16 enables the rider to deactivate lift activation assembly 12 byreleasing lever 24. By releasing lever 24, the opposing tension ofspring 204 may be used to return training wheel 16 to the ground. Insome implementations, gravity may be sufficient to return training wheel16 to the ground upon releasing lever 24.

In some implementations, and referring at least to FIG. 3, an examplewheel mount assembly 14 is shown. The example wheel mount assembly 14 ofFIG. 3 may include but is not limited to a hinge 300, cable system 302,cable system 304, and cable 22. In the example, the rider may applypressure (e.g., force) to lever 24 by, e.g., squeezing lever 24similarly to a bicycle brake lever. Once the rider applies enough forceto lever 24, the force may be transferred to the attached cable 22,which may then be transferred to wheel mount assembly 14 (e.g., viaspring loaded hinge 300, cable system 302, cable system 304, orcombination thereof) to elevate training wheel 16 off the ground (e.g.,in a predominantly vertical movement). In some implementations, wheelmount assembly 14 of FIG. 3 may include a spring (e.g., an internalspring) in hinge 300, such that the opposing tension of the spring inhinge 300 caused by the movement of training wheel 16 enables the riderto deactivate lift activation assembly 12 by releasing lever 24. Byreleasing lever 24, the opposing tension of the spring in hinge 300 maybe used to return training wheel 16 to the ground. In someimplementations, gravity may be sufficient to return training wheel 16to the ground upon releasing lever 24.

In some implementations, the change in elevation of training wheel 16between the first position and the second position may include aplurality of predetermined set elevations, wherein each elevation of theplurality of predetermined set elevations may be based upon, at least inpart, a degree of activation of lift activation assembly 12. In someimplementations, wheel mount assembly 14 may include at least oneratchet bar (e.g., ratchet bar 404/406) that may be configured tooperatively connect to lift activation assembly 12 via cable 22, whereinratchet bar 404/406 may include at least one tooth (e.g., tooth408/410). In some implementations, wheel mount assembly 14 may includeat least one lock (e.g., lock 416/418) that may be configured to engagetooth 408/410 of ratchet bar 404/406 when lift activation assembly 12 isactivated, wherein lock 416/418, when engaged, may be further configuredto maintain the elevation of training wheel 16. For instance, andreferring at least to FIGS. 4-8, an example wheel mount assembly 14 isshown. The example wheel mount assembly 14 of FIGS. 4-8 may include butis not limited to cable 22, at least one return spring (e.g., returnspring 400 and return spring 402), at least one ratchet bar (e.g.,ratchet bar 404 and ratchet bar 406), one or more ratchet bar teeth(e.g., teeth 408, 410, 412, 414), at least one spring lock (e.g., upperspring lock 416 and lower spring lock 418), a support arm (e.g., supportarm 420), at least one locking notch (e.g., locking notch 422, 424, 426,428), a housing arm (e.g., housing arm 430), a return spring (e.g.,return spring 432), a wheel mount arm (e.g., wheel mount arm 434), andtraining wheel 16. Referring at least to FIG. 8, an example spring lock(e.g., upper spring lock 416) is shown. Upper spring lock 416 mayinclude, e.g., a housing (e.g., housing 416A), a tooth (e.g., tooth416B), and a spring (e.g., spring 416C). As will be discussed below, theabove-noted spring locks may include assemblies that engage theabove-noted ratchet bar teeth, which may allow support arm 420 to beraised/lowered and held in position until released.

As noted above, the change in elevation of training wheel 16 between thefirst position and the second position may include a plurality ofpredetermined set elevations, wherein each elevation of the plurality ofpredetermined set elevations may be based upon, at least in part, adegree of activation of lift activation assembly 12. For instance, andreferring again at least to FIG. 1, assume for example purposes onlythat the above-noted actuator may include a handlebar grip (e.g.,handlebar grip 26), wherein handlebar grip 26, when rotated, mayactivate lift activation assembly 12. In some implementations, handlebargrip 26 may function similar to known “twist-style” gear controlshifters. In some implementations, support arm 420, wheel mount arm 434,and training wheel 16 may be held in an elevated position by upperspring lock 416 engaging tooth 408 on ratchet bar 406 and lower springlock 418 engaging tooth 410 on ratchet bar 404. In the example, trainingwheel 16 may be raised by rotating handlebar grip 26 in a firstdirection (e.g., counter clockwise) and around, e.g., 50% of its range(e.g., approximately 40 degrees). It will be appreciated that the numberof predetermined set elevations may affect how much rotation is needed.As such, the amount of rotation (as well as the direction of rotation)should be taken as an example only and not to otherwise limit the scopeof the disclosure.

The above-noted rotation may cause ratchet bar 404, which may beoperatively connected to handlebar grip 26 via cable 22, to be raisedsome amount (e.g., approximately 0.5 inches). Tooth 408 on ratchet bar404 may engage lower spring lock 418, which may be operatively connectedto support arm 420. As such, support arm 420 may be raised some amount(e.g., approximately 0.5 inches), which in turn may raise wheel mountarm 434 and training wheel 16. In some implementations, upper springlock 416 may additionally then engage the first tooth on ratchet bar 406(e.g., via tooth 416B). In some implementations, each incremental turnof handlebar grip 26 may represent an individual predetermined setelevation. For instance, if there are only four predetermined setelevations (e.g., only four teeth per ratchet bar), handlebar grip 26(via lift activation assembly 12) may be turned up to four times, witheach turn raising (or lowering) wheel mount arm 434 and training wheel16 depending on, e.g., the direction of the turn.

In some implementations, returning handlebar grip 26 to its startingposition may return ratchet bar 404 to the first position (e.g., itsresting position on the ground). In some implementations, training wheel16 may (at any time) be lowered to the first position by, e.g., rotatinghandlebar grip 26 in a direction (e.g., counterclockwise) at, e.g., 100%of its range, which in the example may be, e.g., approximately 80degrees. Such a rotation may cause both ratchet bars to be raised totheir fullest extent (e.g., the second position). Ratchet bar 404 maymove, e.g., 50% of its range in a first direction (e.g., parallel tohousing arm 430). Ratchet bar 404 may then move the remaining 50% of itsrange in a second direction (e.g., diagonal motion), which may cause itsteeth to lose engagement with lower spring lock 418. Ratchet bar 406 maymove 100% of its range in a first direction (e.g., diagonal motion),which may cause its teeth to lose engagement with upper spring lock 416.

In some implementations, when the teeth on both ratchet bars loseengagement with the respective spring locks, return spring 432 may pullsupport arm 420 back to its starting position, which may lower wheelmount arm 434 and training wheel 16 to their starting positions. In someimplementations, when wheel mount arm 434 and training wheel 16 are inthe down position, support arm 420 may engage, e.g., locking notch 422,and mechanically lock training wheel 16 in the down position.

In some implementations, if the bicycle is not vertical when wheels 16are lowered, the wheel closest to the ground may not lock in the downposition, as support arm 420 may not be able to engage locking notch422. Locking notches 424 and 426 may be considered safety notches. Ifthe rider begins to fall one direction or the other, and training wheel16 towards the direction of the fall is not locked in the down position,support arm 420 may engage one of the safety notches 424 and 426. Whensupport arm 420 is engaged with at least one of the above-noted safetylocking notches, support may be provided to the bicycle even thoughtraining wheel 16 may not be locked in the down position.

It will be appreciated that any type of gear control shifters (e.g.,index shifters) as well as any type of known bicycle cable designs orotherwise may be modified into the above-noted lift activation assembly12 to accomplish the present disclosure. As such, the use of anyparticular design or technique for implementing the objectives of thepresent disclosure should be taken as an example only and not tootherwise limit the scope of the disclosure.

In some implementations, and referring at least to FIG. 9, the actuatormay include a switch (e.g., switch 900), wherein switch 900, whentoggled, may activate lift activation assembly 12. For example, in someimplementations, an electronic switch (e.g., switch 900) may be used bythe rider to elevate training wheel 16 off the ground similarly asdiscussed above. In some implementations, lift activation assembly 12may include a processor and/or microprocessor (e.g., microprocessor 902)configured to, e.g., process data and execute the above-notedcode/instruction sets and subroutines. For instance, microprocessor 902may receive the signal from switch 900 to raise/lower training wheel 16.The signal may be received by the rider using an input (e.g., toggle904). For instance, in some implementations, switch 900 may include an“Up” toggle setting and a “Down” toggle setting. For example, withtraining wheels 16 on the ground (e.g., the first position or “Down”setting), when the rider activates lift activation assembly 12 bytoggling switch 900 to the appropriate setting (e.g., the second or “Up”setting), force may be placed on cable 22, whereby that force may resultin lifting training wheel 16 off the ground (e.g., to the secondposition) via wheel mount assembly 14, transforming in real-time (e.g.,while the bicycle is in motion) the bicycle with engaged training wheels(e.g., grounded training wheels used to balance the rider) into abicycle without engaged training wheels (e.g., elevated training wheelsnot used to balance the rider).

In some implementations, switch 900 may include multiple height settings(e.g., for each of the above-noted predetermined set elevations). Forinstance, with training wheels 16 completely on the ground (e.g., thelowest toggle position), when the rider activates lift activationassembly 12 by toggling switch 900 to the appropriate setting (e.g.,predetermined set elevation 2), force may be placed on cable 22, wherebythat force may result in lifting training wheel 16 off the ground (e.g.,to the second tooth per ratchet bar in the above example) via wheelmount assembly 14, transforming in real-time (e.g., while the bicycle isin motion) the bicycle with engaged training wheels (e.g., groundedtraining wheels used to balance the rider) into a bicycle withoutengaged training wheels (e.g., elevated training wheels not used tobalance the rider).

It will be appreciated that any type of switch and/or switchconfiguration may be used without departing from the scope of thedisclosure. Therefore, the description of the above-noted switch 900should be taken as an example only and not to otherwise limit the scopeof the disclosure.

While the present disclosure is described as being used with a bicycle,it will be appreciated that other balancing modes of transportation (orotherwise) may be used without departing from the scope of thedisclosure. For example, training wheel assembly 10 may be used with,e.g., unicycles. As such, the use of a bicycle should be taken as anexample only and not to otherwise limit the scope of the disclosure.

While the present disclosure is described as being activated by therider (i.e., manually), it will be appreciated that training wheels 16may be raised and lowered automatically. For instance, assume that,e.g., switch 900 includes a gyroscope, accelerometer, etc. Themicroprocessor may receive information from the, e.g., gyroscope,indicating that bicycle frame 20 is upright for a predetermined amountof time (e.g., 30 seconds). In response, microprocessor 902 mayautomatically activate switch 900 to raise training wheel 16. On theother hand, microprocessor 902 may receive information from thegyroscope indicating that bicycle frame 20 is moving at an angle (i.e.,that the bicycle is falling). In response, microprocessor 902 mayautomatically deactivate switch 900 to lower training wheel 16 to theground to provide balance to the rider before the bicycle completelyfalls and results in injury to the rider. As such, the description of amanual activation should be taken as an example only and not tootherwise limit the scope of the disclosure.

As noted above, and referring also at least to FIGS. 10-12, liftactivation assembly 12 may include handlebar grip 26, that when rotated,may activate lift activation assembly 12. As will be discussed ingreater detail below, the above-noted wheel mount assembly pivot arm maybe unlocked and raised by turning the handlebar grip in a firstdirection (e.g., toward the front/back) of the bicycle with a hand(e.g., the right and/or left hand of the rider). As the handlebar gripis turned, the wheel may also be raised, as it may be attached to thepivot arm. The pivot arm may lock in the “up” position when thehandlebar grip is rotated (e.g., one quarter of a turn).

If the rider loses his balance and begins to fall while the pivot arm isunlocked, the pivot arm on the side of the fall may be locked inwhatever position it is in as soon as the wheel touches the ground. Thismay give the bicycle support and the rider a chance to recover his/herbalance and continue riding or stop, straighten the bike, and try again.

When the pivot arm is locked in the “up” position, pushing a releaseswitch (e.g., button) may enable it (and therefore the training wheel)to return to the ground and lock. In some implementations, even if therider is holding the grip firmly in the raised position, the wheels maystill be able to return to the ground. In the example, the rider neednot twist the grip back to the starting position to reset it. In theexample, the handlebar grip may reset itself automatically as soon asthe wheels comes down.

As noted above, and referring also at least to FIGS. 10-12, liftactivation assembly 12 for training wheel assembly 10 may includehandlebar grip 26, and training wheel assembly 10 may further include awheel mount assembly (e.g., wheel mount assembly 14). In someimplementations, as shown in FIG. 11, handlebar grip 26 may include arelease button (e.g., release button (A)), a housing (e.g., housing(B)), a base plate (e.g., base plate (C)), a base latch (e.g., baselatch (D)), a drive latch (e.g., drive latch (E)), a cable gear (e.g.,cable gear (F)), a clutch gear (e.g., clutch gear (G)), a drive gear(e.g., drive gear (H)), a grip (e.g., grip (i)), a cable (e.g., cable(J)), a clutch channel (e.g., clutch channel (K)), and an elastic band(e.g., elastic band (L)). In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 12,wheel mount assembly 14 may include a stationary wheel mount arm (e.g.,stationary arm (M) and/or pivot arm (N) and/or locking arm (O)),training wheel (e.g., wheel (P)), one or more teeth (e.g., teeth (Q)),and a spring (e.g., spring (R)).

In some implementations, drive gear (H) may be attached to handlebargrip (i), such that when handle grip (i) is rotated in a first direction(e.g., toward the front of the bicycle), drive gear (H) also may rotate.In some implementations, drive gear (H) may be locked to clutch gear (G)by drive latch (E). In some implementations, drive latch (E) may pivotin its mount on clutch gear (G) toward drive gear (H) until it engageswith teeth on drive gear (H). In some implementations, drive latch (E)may be held in the engaged position by, e.g., elastic band (L). It willbe appreciated that any type of band (or similar), or spring, may beused without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In some implementations, when grip (i) is rotated (e.g., toward thefront of the bicycle), clutch gear (G) also may rotate, as it may belocked to drive gear (H) by drive latch (E). In the example, clutchgears (G) teeth may be engaged with teeth of cable gears (F), such thatwhen clutch gear (G) rotates (e.g., clockwise), cable gear (F) mayrotate counterclockwise.

In some implementations, this may cause cable (J) to be pulled as it iswound around the recessed area on cable gear (F). Cable (J) may beattached to locking arm (O). When cable (J) is pulled, locking arm (O)may disengage from teeth (Q) and travel toward the top of stationary arm(M). Locking arm (O) may be attached to the pivot arm (N). As lockingarm (O) is raised by cable (J), pivot arm (N) and wheel (P) may beraised. In some implementations, as long as there is tension on cable(J) and no upward force being applied to wheel (P), locking arm (O) maynot engage any of teeth (Q), which may enable pivot arm (N) to raisewheel (P).

In some implementations, if the rider begins to fall while locking arm(O) is disengaged from teeth (Q), the bicycle may tilt from a verticalposition toward a horizontal position as it falls. As this occurs, wheel(P) on the side of the fall may come into contact with the groundcreating an upward force on wheel (P). The upward force may cause pivotarm (N) to move upward, which may cause locking arm (O) to engagewhichever tooth (Q) it is closest to. In the example, this may stoppivot arm (N) from raising higher and may enable wheel (P) to providethe bicycle with support. In the example, this may provide the riderwith a chance to regain his/her balance and continue riding or stop,straighten the bike, and try again. The upward force on wheel (P) mayoverride any tension on cable (J) that may normally keep locking arm (O)in the disengaged position.

In some implementations, when handlebar grip (i) is rotated to thefront/forward and/or back/backward of the bicycle (e.g., one quarter ofa turn), training wheel (P) may be raised by cable (J) to a secondposition, which may be its highest position. In the example, trainingwheel (P) may be locked there by base latch (D), which may be mounted toclutch gear (G). In some implementations, it may engage a notch on baseplate (C), which may prevent handlebar grip (i) from being rotated backtoward its starting point. In the example, training wheel (P) may now belocked in the raised (second) position.

In some implementations, to lower training wheel (P), the rider may pushrelease button (A), e.g., with his/her thumb. Release button (A) maythen contact base latch (D) and drive latch (E), which may cause both tobe rotated on their axis. Drive latch (E) may disengage clutch gear (G)from drive gear (H) by rotating out of its engagement with drive gearteeth (H). In the example, as drive latch (E) rotates out of itsengagement with drive gear teeth (H), the pointed end of drive latch (E)may engage clutch channel (K) preventing elastic band (L) from returningdrive latch (E) to the engaged position on drive gear (H). Base latch(D) may simultaneously disengage clutch gear (G) from base plate (C) bybeing rotated free of the notch on base plate (C).

In some implementations, clutch gear (G) may now be free from base plate(C) and from drive gear (H). Cable gear (F), which may be holding cable(J) in position, may be free to rotate as clutch gear (G) may now bedisengaged and no longer able to restrict cable gear's (F) movement.This may enable training wheel (P) to be returned to the ground (e.g.,the first position) by return spring (R) and/or gravity. As trainingwheel (P) returns to the ground, cable (J) may be pulled, which mayrotate cable gear (F) and clutch gear (G) to their starting positions.In some implementations, when clutch gear (G) gets to its startingposition, drive latch (E) may disengage with clutch channel (K),enabling elastic band (L) to rotate drive latch (E) and engage withdrive gear teeth (H). In the example, lift activation assembly 12 maynow be in a reset position and ready for another cycle.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularimplementations only and is not intended to be limiting of thedisclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps (notnecessarily in a particular order), operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, integers, steps (not necessarily in a particular order),operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements that may be in the claims below areintended to include any structure, material, or act for performing thefunction in combination with other claimed elements as specificallyclaimed. The description of the present disclosure has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to beexhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Manymodifications, variations, and any combinations of implementationsthereof will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Theimplementation(s) were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the disclosure and the practical application, and toenable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosurefor various implementation(s) with various modifications and/or anycombinations of implementation(s) as are suited to the particular usecontemplated.

Having thus described the disclosure of the present application indetail and by reference to implementation(s) thereof, it will beapparent that modifications, variations, and any combinations ofimplementation(s) (including any modifications, variations, andcombinations thereof) are possible without departing from the scope ofthe disclosure defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A training wheel apparatus comprising: a liftactivation assembly, wherein the lift activation assembly includes agrip; a wheel mount assembly configured to operatively connect to awheel; and a cable configured to operatively connect to the liftactivation assembly and the wheel mount assembly via the grip, whereinthe lift activation assembly, when activated by rotation of the grip ina first direction, is configured to use the cable to change an elevationof the wheel between a first position and a second position, wherein thechange of the elevation of the wheel is configured to occur while thewheel is in motion, and wherein the lift activation assembly furtherincludes a drive gear, a clutch gear, and a drive latch, wherein thedrive latch, when the grip is rotated in the first position, pivots in amount on the clutch gear and engages teeth on the drive gear.
 2. Thetraining wheel apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a release switchthat, when activated, changes the elevation of the wheel to the firstposition.
 3. The training wheel apparatus of claim 1 wherein the grip,when rotated in a second direction, changes the elevation of the wheelto the first position.
 4. The training wheel apparatus of claim 1further comprising a switch, wherein the switch, when toggled, activatesthe lift activation assembly.
 5. The training wheel apparatus of claim 1further comprising a cable gear, wherein the cable, when the grip isrotated in the first position, winds around a recessed area on the cablegear.
 6. The training wheel apparatus of claim 1 wherein the liftactivation assembly further includes a base latch operatively connectedto the clutch gear, that when engaged with a notch on a base plate,prevents the grip from rotation in the second direction.
 7. The trainingwheel apparatus of claim 1 wherein the drive latch, when a releaseswitch is activated, disengages the clutch gear from the drive gear byrotating out of its engagement with one or more teeth of the drive gear.8. The training wheel apparatus of claim 1 wherein the wheel mountassembly is further configured to operatively connect to a bicycleframe.
 9. An apparatus comprising: a lift activation assembly configuredto operatively connect to a handlebar of a bicycle frame, wherein thelift activation assembly includes a grip; a wheel mount assemblyconfigured to operatively connect to a wheel and further configured tooperatively connect to the bicycle frame; and a cable configured tooperatively connect to the lift activation assembly and the wheel mountassembly via the grip, wherein the lift activation assembly, whenactivated by circular rotation of the grip in a first direction, isconfigured to use the cable to change an elevation of the wheel betweena first position and a second position, and wherein the lift activationassembly further includes a drive gear, a clutch gear, and a drivelatch, wherein the drive latch, when the grip is rotated in the firstposition, pivots in a mount on the clutch gear and engages teeth on thedrive gear.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a releaseswitch that, when activated, changes the elevation of the wheel to thefirst position.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the grip, whenrotated in a second direction, changes the elevation of the wheel to thefirst position.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising aswitch, wherein the switch, when toggled, activates the lift activationassembly.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a cable gear,wherein the cable, when the grip is rotated in the first position, windsaround a recessed area on the cable gear.
 14. The apparatus of claim 9wherein the lift activation assembly further includes a base latchoperatively connected to the clutch gear, that when engaged with a notchon a base plate, prevents the grip from rotation in the seconddirection.
 15. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the drive latch, when arelease switch is activated, disengages the clutch gear from the drivegear by rotating out of its engagement with one or more teeth of thedrive gear.
 16. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the change of theelevation of the wheel is configured to occur while the wheel is inmotion.
 17. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the wheel includes atraining wheel.
 18. An apparatus comprising: a lift activation assemblyconfigured to operatively connect to a handlebar of a bicycle frame,wherein the lift activation assembly includes a switch, wherein the liftactivation assembly further includes a cable gear; a wheel mountassembly configured to operatively connect to a wheel and furtherconfigured to operatively connect to the bicycle frame; and a cableconfigured to operatively connect to the lift activation assembly andthe wheel mount assembly, wherein the lift activation assembly, whenactivated by the switch, is configured to use the cable to change anelevation of the wheel between a first position and a second position,by winding around a recessed area on the cable gear, and wherein thelift activation assembly further includes a drive gear, a clutch gear,and a drive latch, wherein the drive latch, when activated by theswitch, pivots in a mount on the clutch gear and engages teeth on thedrive gear.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising a releaseswitch that, when activated, changes the elevation of the wheel to thefirst position.
 20. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the drive latch,when a release switch is activated, disengages the clutch gear from thedrive gear by rotating out of its engagement with one or more teeth ofthe drive gear.
 21. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the change of theelevation of the wheel is configured to occur while the wheel is inmotion.